Pastor Kevin concludes his sermon series in James speaking in James 5:13-20. James closes his letter by telling the gathered church how to live while we wait for Christ’s return. The church is not a building. The church is the believers who meet together under the Lordship of Jesus. In this passage James gives a practical plan for our ministry right now. Start with the right Spirit. Minister to one another through prayer, care, and confession. Restore those who wander. Keep sharing the gospel with urgency and hope.
1. The Attitude and the Spirit of the Church
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Programs without the Holy Spirit lack power. God knows our works and our motives.
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A church can look alive and still be spiritually dry. Vital ministry begins with seeking the Lord and following His lead.
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Before starting any ministry pray for God’s direction, God’s people, and God’s timing so the work rests on His strength.
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2. Minister to One Another (James 5:13-15)
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Prayer in suffering
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If anyone is suffering let him pray. Prayer is not the last resort. Prayer is the first response. God uses prayer to steady our hearts and shape our character.
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Praise in joy
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If anyone is cheerful let him sing praise. Worship fixes our eyes on the Lord and fuels perseverance.
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Care for the sick
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Call the elders to pray and anoint with oil in the name of the Lord. Ancient anointing signaled both spiritual dependence and practical care. Use medicine wisely and pray boldly. God works through both.
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Confession that heals community (James 5:16)
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Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another so that you may be healed. Confession invites accountability. The gospel supplies forgiveness. Grace keeps relationships whole.
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3. Pray with Confidence (James 5:16-18)
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The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
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Elijah was an ordinary person with a nature like ours. He prayed earnestly and God withheld the rain for three years and six months. He prayed again and the heavens gave rain. This example encourages persistent, faith filled prayer.
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4. Restore the Wandering (James 19-20)
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If someone wanders from the truth and a believer brings him back, that rescue saves a soul from death and covers a multitude of sins.
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Restoration is done with truth and gentleness. Mature believers help newer believers grow deep roots that endure trials and distractions. Real conversion bears fruit over time.
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Conculsion
James teaches a church that is watching and waiting for Christ to return. While we wait we work. We pray. We care. We confess. We restore. We keep sharing the good news. Hope in His return fuels faithfulness today.
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